We have completed the Worship Center HVAC update. The new air handlers are running well, and the upgraded control system is already helping us improve energy efficiency. As we move into the warmer months, we’re continuing to fine-tune the system and are grateful to have reliable cooling in place for this summer and the years ahead.

Construction on the Fireside Patio is underway. We’ve installed the irrigation, electrical, water, and gas lines, along with the main planters and walkway. We’ve also relocated the trash enclosure to the Heritage Building lot and are preparing to install the shade canopy and the groundwater treatment system beneath the driveway. Once the city signs off on a few remaining items, we’ll complete the concrete and asphalt work and bring this part of the project to completion.

Looking ahead, we’re actively preparing for the next phase to remodel the Worship Center Auditorium and Lobby. We’re working closely with our architect to finalize stage and seating details, and we plan to submit our plans to the city in May. Pending approval, we anticipate beginning construction in the fall.

The final phase will focus on renovating the Central Courtyard, with construction planned for Summer 2027. We are preparing to submit those plans to the city this fall.

We are in the final stages of securing our building permit from the city. If all continues as expected, we plan to begin construction in May and complete the project by July. This will allow us to begin generating our own electricity and steward our resources wisely by offsetting higher summer energy costs. We’re grateful for how God is providing in this step.

Yes, the members of Calvary approved the construction proposal for Forward in Faith in 2024. Our bylaws require member approval on recommendations by the Board of Elders for any construction projects or real estate improvements that exceed 10% of our total annual contributions, which is currently about $400,000. We have had some cost overruns and scope enhancements that are projected to exceed the threshold, so the Elders are recommending an update to the overall project budget.

A vote by members of Calvary will take place during the Annual Meeting, as part of the worship services, on Sunday, May 17 at 9:00 am (English/ASL) and 11:00am (Spanish). There will be an Elder Affirmation vote for new and returning Elders (see more at CalvaryLife.org/Leaders), and a Construction Proposal vote on the following:

“The Elders recommend adjusting the Forward in Faith total budget for all phases from $3.3 million to $4.6 million to include $550,000 in project cost overruns and $750,000 in scope enhancements. Our commitment remains to pursue each element of Forward in Faith on a debt-free basis as the Lord guides and provides through the generosity of His people. Please vote Yes or No to approve this recommendation to increase the total project budget.”

Thanks to the generosity of Calvary’s people, we have received over $3.2 million, with an additional $325,000 in pledged giving and an estate gift of $750,000. This leaves $285,000 needed to complete all phases of Forward in Faith. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of so many in our church family and will make adjustments to future phases of construction if needed to remain debt-free.

Over a multi-year project, changing conditions and increases to the cost of construction are expected, and we’ve worked diligently to steward these wisely. Some key factors include:

> The Fireside Patio had to incorporate an unanticipated groundwater treatment system to comply with state regulations on storm drains and runoff (estimated cost of $100,000).

> The cost of concrete has increased over 30% in the past 3 years, which was higher than we anticipated (adds $150,000 to the overall budget).

>Based on construction cost forecasts, more funds will be needed to upgrade electrical panels, cover increased demolition and dumping expenses, pay for increased shade structure costs, and handle fees for planning and city permits (budgeting an additional $200,000.)

We continue to look for savings wherever possible, including serving as our own general contractor to save additional fees, and we’re committed to keeping this projected increase as low as possible.

The scope enhancements aren’t to add additional phases, but to improve the phases we originally planned at the start of Forward in Faith in 2024. We received an extraordinary estate gift toward the end of 2025, which encouraged us to reevaluate what was possible to achieve at this time and best position our campus for long-term ministry impact. There were two main areas of focus:

> HVAC improvements ($250,000): Once we opened up the HVAC system in the Worship Center and started replacing air handlers and connecting the new control system, aging components like valves in our chilled water system were identified that would soon need replacement, but were not in the original scope of repairs. It made sense to address them all now, while work was already underway, to save on current costs and future maintenance disruptions.

> Worship Center seating flexibility ($500,000): We’ve long desired a space that can be more scalable and dynamic across different capacities, so it can be used well for a variety of gatherings while still having room for larger events. The best way we have determined to create this flexibility, based on researching many churches that have employed a similar solution, is to add stadium-style seating in the back portion of the auditorium. This will provide flexibility for just over 900 seats on the main floor level and about 500 additional seats in the risers when needed. These will all still be fixed seats to ensure comfort and consistency, with more leg room and wider seats than the current configuration. The goal is for this to create an adaptable ministry space where people feel warmly welcomed and better connected for generations to come.

We will continue to communicate openly each step of the way. Our commitment remains to complete each phase without taking on any debt. That may mean adjusting timing or scope as needed. Our goal is to pursue these campus improvements to create spaces that support ministry and to be a place where you can invite your friends to experience the joy and hope found in life with Jesus. Ultimately, it’s not the buildings that change lives – it’s God working through His people. Our prayer is that as we invest in our campus, it helps create a welcoming environment for connections to happen and the Spirit to move in people’s lives. We are trusting God in all of this to guide and provide as we step forward in faith.

We’d love to connect with you. Please reach out to Michael Welles at or 714-550-2313 for more detailed information. You’re also welcome to speak with any of our Elders, Trustees, or Pastors. Thank you for your interest in what we hope to do through this campus!